The weather looked rather unpredictable, so it was decided to take the most direct route to our destination, via Saltern's Way. Unfortunately, the cycle route was full of rather deep puddles, which resulted in several wet feet by the time we reached the cafe! Roy sensibly wore a pair of wellies under his trousers and so remained dry. We arrived at the cafe about 2.15 pm, and enjoyed eating slices of carrot and coffee cake, washed down with copious cups of tea!

After about half an hour, Philippa noticed that the clouds were gathering outside, and so the group started to make their way back to Chichester, taking the same route. As everyone arrived in Chichester, the rain began to fall and everyone was grateful we left the cafe when we did! All in all, an enjoyable short trip out, in spite of the weather!"

The weather forecast was quite dire today and indeed after a night of torrential rain the skies seemed ready for more. However it was dry when I started out with the rain only resuming as I reached Chichester. In the end though it stopped soon after we left and the middle of the day was mainly dry with even some blue sky. Heavy rain only resumed while we were having tea so all in all a much better day than expected.

Harvey was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Avryl, Gill, Graham and Keith so 6 out in all and better than expected.

We headed out on the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes to The Woodmancote Pub at Woodmancote where we stopped for 11s and took advantage of their £3 for a cake and coffee deal. The cakes were very substantial portions. A large group from Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club piled in soon after us.

We continued on the direct flat route via Racton where we had fine views of Racton Tower un-obscured by leaves at this time of year. We continued on the B-Road up to West Marden to stop for lunch at The Victoria, West Marden arriving a few minutes before 12.00. We snagged the one and only table not reserved with the benefits of comfy chairs and the warmth of a wood burning stove.

Gill headed straight back after lunch while the rest of us retraced our route down the valley before turning off on the hill towards Funtington.

We returned via Funtington and then the aptly named Watery Lane to West Ashling before returning to Chichester and a stop for tea at Chichester Cathedral Cloisters Cafe. Our stop was extended somewhat when torrential rain started soon after we arrived. We passed the time doing Keith’s Crossword.

The rain had stopped as we made our ways home. Mileage from and back to Chichester was an easy 22. My mileage from Pagham was 38.

My latest image to be processed was of Pulteney Bridge in Bath taken when I stayed there over Christmas.

This was originally due to be a Mince Pie Ride but with torrential rain and strong winds all morning the ride was cancelled and everybody went by car. Our hosts were Philippa and William at Bracklesham. Alan and Liz gave me a lift. Others attending were Arthur, Lynn, Dave, Jan, Richard, Roy, Freda and Jim. With Philippa, William and David there were 14 in all.

We were treated to a substantial spread including Mince Pies, Profiteroles and Tiramisu. We had to say no to Christmas Cake with insufficient miles. David brought out his toys which kept Arthur amused driving a toy Ferrari.

We hope for better weather next weekend with a Saturday Ride to Chichester Yacht Basin and a Sunday Ride to West Marden.

Yesterday I put a picture of the Underground on Flickr and within an hour it was published with a credit and link on The Londonist Website which has a million visits a month.

The New Years Day Ride to Amberley dates back at least 30 years when the original Landlord of the Black Horse, Amberley offered a free first drink to all Cyclists arriving on New Years Day. As a result clubs from 3 counties converged on the Pub. It was too good to last and when the offer was withdrawn so did the cyclists attendance until only Bognor Chichester and Arun Adur CTC kept coming. When the Black Horse closed a few years ago we transferred our allegiance to The Sportsman, Amberley.

The weather was cloudy but dry in the morning turning to a spell of continuous light rain in the afternoon.

I led the ride today and I was joined at Walberton Pond for a late 10.30 start by Sam, Russell and John Maxim. we headed out up Shellbridge Road between the woods. Then it was a short stretch of main road before the turning for the lane via Madehurst.

We continued with various ups and downs along the pleasant quiet lanes via Madehurst and then up to the Whiteways Roundabout. We decided to stop at the Kiosk Cafe at Whiteways for elevenses.

Then it was a bit more of the main road with a fast 40mph descent of Bury Hill before turning right into Bury and the lane across to Houghton. Then it was on to Amberley arriving bang on 12.00 to get some of the few unreserved tables. Another 6 from Arun Adur joined us for lunch.

The rain started just as we left so it was a direct route back up Houghton Hill. I returned home via Yapton and the Prom via Felpham and Bognor with the Tide in and the waves a little wild.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was about 18. My mileage from Pagham was 40.

My latest picture is one taken while I was away in Bath for Christmas. The shot was taken about 7.15am Boxing Day before anybody was up and about and shows a view of Bath Abbey.

There was some weird weather early on today. I rode up to the start at Chichester from Pagham in constant rain, at times as a downpour. On reaching the edge of Chichester the rain stopped and the roads were bone dry. Looking at the rainfall radar there were 2 big areas of showers to the east and west of Chichester with just Chichester staying dry. For the rest of our ride it stayed dry save for some rain at elevenses. Temperatures were still mild at 13C.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, myself, Sam, Russell, Bill, Richard and Terry. Mike Lambourne joined us at elevenses so 9 were out in all.

We headed out via West Street and then Apuldram Lane before taking the main road for a short way to avoid the muddy path. Then it was then on via the Yacht Basin.

We continued via Birdham Pool, Birdham and Shipton Green to stop for elevenses at The Boulevard Cafe, East Wittering. We delayed our departure a little as a shower came over.

The return route was on lanes via Earnley, and Sidlesham Common. Then it was on up to Hunston where the group split. Arthur led some via the new Selsey Road Cycle Bridge back to Chichester. The rest of us heading Bognor and Littlehampton directions went via Runcton and Merston and down the cyclepath.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was pretty much on the estimate of 20 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 31.

My latest picture is another Spiral Staircase (sorry) This was taken on my latest London Trip on Friday at St Clement Dane Church in the Strand.

Our last Saturday ride of 2015 attracted 10 riders at the start point - plus Alan Tyler joining us part way, and Edwin coming back with us, making 12 out in total.

Steve, Alan, Maureeen, Terry, Debbie, Carol, Steve Woods,Dmitry, and new rider Sue - who we hope we'll see again - joined me at Bognor Library.

The weather was cloudy but dry, warm for the time of year at 12 degrees, with SW winds at around 20mph, as we headed out of Bognor taking back roads to North Bersted.

Then it was a circuitous route through the new housing development at North Bersted, a new route which will get shorter as more housing is completed. At present several roads are blocked off due to construction work so that whilst its possible to get from one side to the other, at present its a bit of a roundabout route. At least it isn't muddy.

We then went up the Bognor-Chichester cycletrack as far as the Colworth turning, where we turned right to take the quieter loop away from the A259.As we turned into Colworth Lane we had to negotiate a large flood, and a 2nd one completely covering the road had also appeared at the turning just short of Bridge Cottage. Neither of these obstacles was here when I last came up this way a fortnight ago, in worse conditions and following heavier rain than we've had recently.I had been falsely re-assured that maybe something had been done with the drainage, as this large pool of water has been a regular feature of this route for many months.

Getting back onto the cycletrack, we crossed the A259 into Merston Lane from where it was a short pedal to Runcton and the Palm House Restaurant at the Garden Centre.

Suitably refreshed we headed back to Bognor along the Lower Road, taking the usual diversion across the concrete roads of Butterlees Farm.This has got very muddy recently because of construction traffic- a new solar energy farm is being built and many of the massive solar panels are already in place. However the concrete underneath makes for a reasonably stable ride and its still a much better route than the busy road.

Back in Bognor, a shortcut through Aldwick found us back on the seafront, from where a short ride with the wind now behind us took us along the prom and back to central Bognor.

The round trip mileage, from and back to the library, was pretty much exactly as it said on the tin -12 miles or very slightly over.

The weather was very mild at about 13C with light winds. It was mainly cloudy but dry all day.

There were 2 rides today. The short flat ride to Boaters Bar, Prinsted was led by Arthur and supported by Lynn, Graham, Avryl, Harvey, Bill, Keith and Richard so 8 in all.

I joined the long ride to Trotton, meeting at Chichester Cross Sam the leader plus Colin, Mike and Jeff. Anne joined us at elevenses and Chris at lunch so 7 out on that ride and 15 in total for both rides.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Sam took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really as we arrived soon after 10.00.

As we were getting ready to leave it was good to see long time former member Sheila Griggs heading out on a walk and we chatted briefly. Then it was across to Idsworth and then a steady long climb over the Downs on the lane past Ditcham School. We stopped briefly at the top.

Then it was a long steep descent to the main road west of Harting. We soon turned off onto lanes taking us via exotic locations like Goose Green and Quebec. Then it was back to normal via West Harting, and Nyewood on some very muddy lanes to the Garden Centre Cafe at Trotton. Sam fell asleep on a very comfy armchair in the cafe, I took a picture but feeling vey charitable have left it out of the Blog. We collected our bikes from their usual parking space.

Then it was more lanes via Elsted Marsh, Didling and Bepton and on to the main road to climb Cocking Hill. At Singleton we made an unexpected diversion to climb up Charlton Hill, a decision which I think Sam regretted.

Then it was a fast downhill to stop for tea at the Control Tower Cafe, Goodwood Motor Circuit. That was déjà Vue for me as we went there for lunch on the Wednesday Ride last week.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 47. My mileage from Pagham was 58.

My lastest picture was taken just before Dawn at Pagham on Wednesday showing the new sea defenses by the Harbour Mouth. I used a filter to cut down the light getting through the lens allowing a 58 second exposure which produced the smoothed out sea.

Sunday 6th December. Ride to Compton and then Runcton for Christmas Lunch

On the way to the start of the ride today I made a diversion to inspect the new cycle bridge over the A27 for the Selsey Road. It is a better design than the usual rectangular construction but nowhere near enough to justify the hyperbole used by the Mayor of Chichester when he opened it. As a bridge apparently designed for cycling it also has cyclists dismount signs though I did not notice them. Its fatal flaw is to dump cyclists on to the busy Selsey road with no sign of a cycle path to make it anywhere near safe.

The weather forecast today was very poor but in the end it was only patchy light drizzle and dry most of the morning.

Just 3 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, Sam and Bob, John Maxim was there as well but left us soon afterwards to head for Rowlands Castle. There were 18 in all for the Christmas lunch later at Runcton.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. I took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. On this road we even had a very brief spell of sunshine which I managed to record before it disappeared for the rest of the day.

We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really as we were first arrivals at about 10.00.

Then it was across to Findchdean starting with a climb. By this time we were being overtaken by fast cyclists riding the pessimistically named Fontwell Freeze Sportive. They were on the “Epic” route apparently though only 64 miles.

Then it was on via Rowlands Castle and back to Chichester on the South Coast Cycleroute via Westbourne and Woodmancote.

At Runcton we settled in to a long (3 hours) 3 course Christmas lunch. Harvey and Avryl came direct by bike with the rest coming by car.

Return milage to Chichester was about 33. My mileage from Pagham was 40.

The weather today was dark clouds and windy over 30mph SW but unlike yesterday it stayed dry. Temperatures were mild compared with last Sunday reaching 13C.

Colin was the leader and he was joined for the 9.00am start from Walberton by myself, Anne and Mike.

A lot of the mornings ride had the benefit of a tailwind and we headed out via Madehurst and then a fast descent of Bury Hill. Then it was lanes via West Burton and on to Fittleworth. We then started on the regular route towards Brinkwells Hill but turned off at the base on lanes in the direction of Little Bognor. These lanes are so much off our regular routes that I it was only the second time for me in 20 years, the last time being when I led a ride that way 2 months ago. The lanes were beautiful and quiet with a mix of downland and woods and a fair bit of climbing. We came out at the top of the roadtowards Kirdford at Flexham Park. The ride today was quite notable for a mix of mud and fallen leaves.

Then a long downhill to Kirdford and elevenses at Kirdford Village Stores Cafe. We took up one of the only 2 tables inside with another group of cyclists arriving to take the other table, possibly more of a summer venue.

We headed on via Wisborough Green and Billingshurst and lanes to Barnes Green for lunch. We had sandwiches on a bench behind the village hall before adjourning to the Cafe Stop at Sumners Pond, Barnes Green for hot drinks. 2 stoves provided a considerable amount of warmth while the trees shook in the wind outside.

The return ride was via West Chiltington, Wiggonholt, Coldwaltham and up Duncton Hill. I decided to opt out of a long ride home into the teeth of a gale and let the train take the strain from Billingshurst. In Bognor I briefly went past the seafront before diverting inland and saw the waves at high tide were pounding the pier at 2.00pm.

My mileage from Pagham was 48.

Last Monday I took a day trip up to London for a few pictures. These included the following which is the spiral stairs of the LSE Library. This is not open to the public so I got permission in advance.

Glorious sunshine, a light breeze, and unseasonably warm temperatures. All features missing from today's ride, which was cold, very wet, and very windy. A met office weather warning for strong gales was in place all day, and the precipitation varied between drizzle and torrential showers.

Not surprising that only three of us met at the start point. Perhaps more surprising was that any of us met at all!

I led Alan and Steve through the back streets of Bognor; in an effort to "tack" against the strong winds we did a tour of back alleys out to Aldwick, where we took the Lower Bognor Road. Both Alan and Steve professed not to know where they were at some points, despite both being long term Bognor residents. So objective achieved!

From the Lower Bognor Road we took the off road concrete tracks at Butterlees Farm (again unknown to both Steve and Alan) to emerge at Runcton, then up Green Lane and across the old airfield at Merston. I noticed a usually locked gate was unlocked, so instead of heading back out and on to the cycletrack, we took the "quieter" route through the oher part of Green Lane, re-joining the tarmac at the Kings Head. A short sprint found us at the Brick Kiln Nursery, for a welcome cuppa.

The return route was back via Colworth, and pretty uneventful except that going round the narrowest part of the Colworth loop we found the road blocked by a large farm lorry which had misjudged the conditions and put 6 wheels or so in the ditch at the side of the lane. A large contingent from Westbourne Motors breakdown Service had just hauled the lorry back on to the road and it was ready to resume its journey. We were able to negotiate around the side of all this commotion and went on just ahead of the breakdown convoy, which was leaving the scene. Unfortunately weather conditions were not conducive to photos.... so there isn't one.

Back at Bersted, I found a newly opened route around the new estate that avoids the mud bath of Berry Lane but still brings you out (via the lake) to North Bersted Street. Here we went our separate ways, and I arrived back in Bognor in time for the Christmas lights switch on ceremony. At least, I would have arrived in time but for the fact that it had been cancelled due to the weather conditions; unfortunate in that it wasn't actually raining, nor especially windy, aat the time it should have taken place. I did bump into the town centre manager who told me some lights had come down in the wind, but they were still able to turn on the snow-blowers, which made the town quite festive. This picture shows the lights came on anyway, but the only bike around was Macari's "Stop me and Buy one" machine!

The round trip mileage to and from the library start point, was a modest 16.

After a very wet and windy Saturday Sunday was more promising with a forecast of dry but cloudy. The actual weather was periods of drizzle with a few dry spells and a strong SW wind though at least it had moderated after the gales on Saturday. Temperatures were up to 15C.

Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Jeff, Mark and Mike so 5 out for the day.

We headed out via Woodmancote and Westbourne to stop for elevenses at Rowlands Castle.

Then it was on via Finchdean and a gradual climb thought the Autumn woods of Buriton Hill. Then it was lanes past Ramsdean to stop for lunch at The Isaac Walton, East Meon. We were there a little early by 11.50 and left soon after 12.30.

The return took us on a route south with a gradual climb up Wether Down and down to Clanfield. After crossing the A3 a fast descent to Chalton and down to Finchdean and Rowlands Castle Cafe 2nd time around, this time for an early tea. Both times it was much less busy than usual no doubt due to the weather.

Then it was straight back via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 45. My mileage from Pagham was 56.

My latest picture to be processed is another of the shots taken at the Halnaker path, this one looking in the opposite direction from the more famous one. This is looking up the path in the direction of the windmill.

After 4 days of rain it finally stopped for today though it stayed cloudy and there was a brief spell of drizzle at lunchtime.

I was the leader for the ride which started from Walberton Pond and I was joined by Colin and Jeff. We later met Roger who joined us for part of the ride and the AGM so 4 of us out on the day. From Walberton we headed out up Shellbridge Road between the woods.

Then it was on the lanes via Madehurst and then a fast descent down Bury Hill and on to lanes via West Burton and Coates where Roger joined us. Then it was on to Fittleworth and the main road to Pulborough and the AGM at Pulborough Village Hall. We observed 2 minutes silence at 11.00. Officers remained the same apart from a new DA Treasurer in Mike Murray of Arun Adur. Our CTC Councillor Richard Bates advised that he had judged the Cup for the best article in the Pedaller during the year be awarded to Colin. This was an especially bright point for our Section as all the other Cups went to Horsham/Crawley.

After the AGM we should have met at the nearby Oddfellows Arms but they were not doing food so we adjourned to The White Horse. Jeff and Roger headed straight back while Colin and I joined the other Groups at the Pub in setting the world of Cycling to rights.

After lunch Colin headed off on a longer ride while I headed straight back via Amberley. Being freed of the leaders obligations I took the opportunity to take a few pictures. Near Wiggonholt there is a small pond with deep black water. I did a little editing to this to create a Creature of the Black Lagoon. Bit late for Halloween.

Further on a more normal Autumn picture on the route down towards the gates to Parham.

The mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 30 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 43.

My latest picture was taken a few weeks ago in some woods east of Slindon.

The weather today started foggy though not too cool with a few glimpses of sun in the afternoon and temperatures up to 15C.

Most people went direct to the AGM at West Stoke Village Hall. However I led a ride starting 9.30 at Chichester Cross. I was joined by Russell, Bob, Martin, Graham Hodge, Avryl, Arthur and Lynn.

We headed out on Clay Lane and then a lane north via East Ashling to West Stoke village hall for the AGM. The boring bit only took 35 minutes before we went on to Tea, Coffee and biscuits. Russell was appointed Rides List Secretary and newcomer Graham Hodge was appointed Registrar to maintain the Membership list.

In the afternoon some of us headed for tea at The Forge, Slindon. We rode via Lavant, Goodwood and Waterbeach to Halnaker. Going up the main road we went past the layby at the start of the path up to the Windmill where my picture shown on South Today was taken. It was exceptionally busy with about 12 cars parked there. Probably a lot of it my fault with the picture now up to 9100 likes on Facebook and a number of the 300 commentators asking for directions to the location for this weekend.

We then cut across on a lane to Eartham and then a sharp downhill to Slindon Woods. Then it was a sharp climb up to Slindon. Arthur was missing at the top and eventually appeared holding his broken chain. He freewheeled down to the Forge Cafe, our tea stop where repairs were effected.

We gained John Maxim at the Forge. He had stopped there coincidentally. We continued down to Walberton where we did the first Club Ride on the newly opened on Saturday Barnham to Walberton cyclepath. The first picture is taken at the entrance off Eastergate Lane.

The next picture is taken on part of the path in the field adjoining Barnham Lane.

The ride from and back to Chichester would have been about 25 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 33.

On Saturday I did another Autumn leaves excursion taking the bike by train to Haywards Heath and then rode to to Wakehurst Place. The shot is of one of the 2 lakes there.

It was a beautiful day today with a lot of sun. Although cold to start it reached 14C with light winds.

Colin was the leader of the long ride meeting at Walberton Pond. He was joined by Sam, Paul, Mike, Jeff, Anne and myself. Chris joined us for lunch so 8 were out in all on the ride. Sam was cold at the start.

We headed out via Madehurst up to Whiteways and then down Houghton Hill. Then it was the lane across to Bury and another quiet lane via West Burton.

After heading briefly towards Fittleworth we cut across on a lane to Coldwaltham. Just before the village Paul had a front wheel puncture. At one stage 3 people were involved in getting the tyre off. I decided that many hands made hard work and kept out of it except for recording it.

Then it was more lanes towards Wiggonholt for elevenses.

We continued via West Chiltington and then north via Broadford Bridge, Conyhurst and Barnes Green. At various times during the day many of us had no idea where we were including Colin at one stage. The problem arose because a road was missed off his Golden Eye Map.

However our route was true and we soon arrived at Dragons Green. Many of us diverted to the Scout Hut to use their picnic tables for sandwiches.

Colin explained at lunch the route back but some missed it hence the muttering at times as we headed further east in the afternoon. We took lanes via Shipley, and Dial Post to Ashhurst and then south to Steyning. Then it was a seriously vicious hill up over the downs beside Steyning Bowl. The road sign said 17% and Sam’s bike computer said 27%. I would say it was at least 20% in places.

Then it was down to Sompting and a convoluted route trough estates to come out on Worthing seafront. We stopped for tea at a cafe on a side street called the Smart Food Choice Cafe.

Then it was back on Worthing Prom and on via Ferring and a short excursion on the beach to get to a route on the private estates.

Luckily Colin knows the way because there were so many twists and turns and junctions that we could have been taken round in circles without knowing any different. We headed home via Littlehampton and Yapton. The mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 62. My mileage from Pagham was 76.

The following picture may be of interest. I took it last month on the patio area outside the Gherkin Skyscraper in London. It is a sculpture made up of 700 steel bike frames and their wheels.

After a brilliant October, the weather was finally on the turn today for our long ride to Arundel. The temperature still held up at between 11 and 15 degrees and light winds but it was overcast, and with the constant threat of rain, we were lucky to only encounter one sharp shower in the Barnham area.

Nine of us were at the start point, with two newcomers collected on the way (by prior arrangement!) meaning 11 out on the ride.

Julian, Deb, Suzanne, Karen, Mike, David, Maureen, Steve and myself set out from Bognor library where we took the usual back roads to Felpham and the new estate at Flansham. From here i led the group a little way up the as yet unopen Northern Relief Road to the Stanover Lane junction, where the rough and muddy track has finally had some surface dressing which keeps the mud at bay and makes a good shortcut to the Barnham Cycletrack. At the top of Hoe Lane we collected our newbies Teresa and Sharon, who we hope enjoyed the experience and will see them again soon.

Up the Barnham Cycletrack we went, then under the rail bridge to Walberton. The new and very expensive cycletrack to Walberton is almost completed but is securely fenced off to prevent errant cyclists having the temerity to use it before the official opening date. I believe there is some snagging work still to complete. So we stuck to the Barnham Road.

At Walberton a short cut on an umade road took us out to Binsted Lane and the roller-coaster hill past Beam Ends heading to Tortington. Successfully negotiating the bumpy bit where the tarmac inexplicably runs out, we found ourselves at the spooky Madonna Pond. Then a steady climb through the highly picturesque Binsted Woods followed by the little known cut into Torton Hill Road and before we knew it we had gone under the A27 River Bridge and were in Arundel Town Centre.Some suitable refreshment was taken at the quaint Grounds Coffee House.

For the return route, I completed a circular ride going under the A27 again but this time emerging on the Ford Road. Down to Ford station, then Ford Lane to Yapton, over the old canal bridge to Bilsham, and we soon arrived at Comet Corner and Middleton. Middleton is very quiet at present due to the road closure, which as supposed to be for 2 days only, but has now been about 3 weeks. Fortunately bikes can negotiate the closed bit easily. We arrived back into Bognor via the promenade, dropping people off along the way.

The round trip mileage from and back to, the start point, was 23, which makes it one of the longest Saturday rides we do. However it always seems to be very popular as its a very picturesue route. By the time i got home, my mileage was nudging 30.

Weather was good but only four people turned up for the ride, was this because of the new winter times (1pm instead of 2pm) or was there an important rugby match that afternoon! There was Mike, Martin (a newcomer) and Alan who had brought his grandson Dax along, however we set off up Centurion Way to Lavant, then through East Lavant alongside the Goodwood Racecourse. On reaching the roundabout we turned left and entered Goodwood House, a very scenic route. We came through the gates at the other end and turned right to go through Westerton village.

On arriving at Goodwood racetrack there was plenty to see from the first floor, lots of noise and racing cars and quite busy. After coffee and cake we made our way straight back to Chichester. The whole ride travelling time was 1.5 hours and we covered approx 15 miles. A lovely autumnal ride in the October sun.

The weather today was mainly cloudy but dry with temperatures up to 16C and a lighter NE wind. I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Colin, Harvey and Paul. Chris joined us later at lunchtime so 6 out in all.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington to stop for elevenses at Horndean Garden Centre Cafe. Then it was on via quiet lanes near Cathrington and Clanfield and across to Worlds End and Hipley. We crossed the B2177 and then lanes via Boarhunt. It was then up a lane on the far west of Portsdown Hill which I had not done before and Sam had not done since 1962! This proved to be one of the easier climbs of the Hill. A short way up the road we reached Fort Nelson.

Some of us went to the new cafe for lunch and some went to have sandwiches within the fort. Admission is free.

Coincidentally that day they had some special firings of a Canon such as those used on ships like Victory. There were two firings just after 1.00. The firings were to celebrate Trafalgar Day which is Wednesday. It had to be done today because some of the Gun Crew work weekdays. The pretend Admiral gave us a short talk first about the working of the Canon.

The return was first along the ridge road of Portsdown Hill with beautiful views down to Portsmouth and the Harbour. Then it was a long descent towards Havant where Harvey turned off to go straight home while the rest of us took a back route to Rowlands Castle to stop for tea.

The way back was the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote. The return mileage from Chichester was 48. My mileage from Pagham was 60.

One of my latest pictures was taken about 9 days ago when we still had clear skies showing Star Trails above Coates Church Nr Fittleworth. Taken over 50 minutes.

Although cold to start with the weather today warmed up with sunshine and temperatures up to 16C. The longer of the 2 rides today started at 9.00 at Chichester Cross which coincided with the start nearby of the Chichester Half Marathon. We waited as the runners came up Westgate and streamed past Chichester Cross.

One Photographer was much more serious than me with my little compact

Some of them looked far too happy to be making a lot of effort

Sam’s bike as the runners stream past

Sam was the leader and he was joined by myself, Russell, Mark and Jeff

We headed out up Westgate to the Centurion Way and up to Lavant before taking lanes towards West Stoke. Just before reaching West Stoke we saw police at the roadside and soldiers in a field sorting out an unexploded bomb. Sam asked a policeman as we passed and was told they were going to detonate in a few minutes. For some reason Sam didn’t sick around and we pressed on at speed. Sure enough a few minutes later we heard the bang. We continued on the lanes via Woodend to Funtington. Just before the junction we heard another loud bang as Sam’s rear tyre punctured.

As we finished some riders from Bognor Regis Cycling Club came by. We continued via Racton and West Marden to stop for Elevenses at Compton Tea Rooms. We settled down conveniently close to the Defibrillator in case anybody was feeling the pace to much.

Then it was on via the long gradual climb to Harting Hill and on to Elsted and then lanes via Treyford

Then it was on via Didling passing the Church isolated among the sheep at the base of the Downs, We turned off via Ingrams Green north to Stedham and lunch at the Hamilton Arms.

We returned via Ingrams Green and then the lanes via Didling and Bepton to Cocking. After climbing Cocking Hill we had a long fast descent to Singleton to stop for tea at West Dean. Tea though ended up being ice creams sitting by the flower beds at the entrance.

We returned to Chichester via the Centurion Way. Sam was worried that we only did about 40 miles from and back to Chichester rather than the advertised 50. The rest of us were not at all bothered. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 52.

Some of my latest pictures follow. The first is of Star Trails taken early this month over Hiorne Tower in Arundel Park. Taken over 1 hour 15 minutes.

Another beautiful sunny today though cold at first. On the way to the start at Walberton I stopped off while riding along the Prom at Felpham for this early morning picture.

Colin was due to lead the ride today but he had been asked to stand in for somebody at work to go over to Kenya (jammy!) I stood in as ride leader. I was joined at the start by Sam, Russell and Mike.

We headed out via the Madehurst lanes and then a fast descent of Bury hill. Then it was lanes via West Burton and on to Fittleworth. We then started on the regular route towards Brinkwells Hill but turned off at the base on lanes in the direction of Little Bognor. These lanes are so much off our regular routes that Sam had not been there for 20 years and they were all new to the others. They were beautiful and quiet with a mix of downland and woods and a fair bit of climbing. We came out at the top of the roadtowards Kirdford at Flexham Park. Then a long downhill to Kirdford and elevenses at Kirdford Village Stores Cafe. Sam did a little dancing around with cold feet.

We were joined later by a large group from Arun Adur who were stopping there on the way to Fernhurst. Russell had to get back after elevenses and the rest of us continued via Wisborough Green and Barnes Green and lanes to Southwater for lunch. The cafe was very busy with a special event on. Mike and I had sandwiches anyway and Sam made do with an ice cream.

We continued on lanes towards Shipley, mainly downhill, and then on via Broomers Corner and West Chiltington to stop for tea at Wiggonholt. Then it was on via Amberley and on to the route to Arundel over the “Khyber Pass” We coincidentally were joined by Phil and Verna Ingram on the Tandem who had ridden with us last in about 2011.

Further along Sam got a puncture and we congratulated him on his choice of location with views down to the valley and Arundel in the distance.

We came across a lot of twitchers in the area presumably due to a rare bird sighting. We continued down via Burpham and on to join the A27. Traffic was diverted away from the Arundel Bypass and through Arundel town to allow for repairs to the carriageway on the bridge. We were allowed to take the empty bypass, a truly wide cyclepath!

Then it was on home via the Ford Lane and Yapton. Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 57. My mileage from Pagham was 76.

There were 2 rides today and I was the leader of the long ride meeting 9.00 Chichester Cross. E weather was beautiful with unbroken blue skies and temperatures up to 19C. I was joined at the start Sam, Colin, Russell, Mike and Bob so 6 out in all.

We set out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington and then Rowlands where we coincidentally came across John Maxim and Graham Young. We continued to stop for elevenses at the Garden Centre Cafe at Horndean.

We noticed on the way out a No Smoking Sign which seemed to apply to the occupants of the Bird Table. Sam was not breaking the rules as he was using an electronic cigarette.

Then it was on via Cathrington and down to Hambledon and an especially vicious climb out of the valley still headed west. Then on via Soberton and a relatively gentle climb across downland.

Then a long descent to lunch at the Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge.

The return initially involved retracing our steps before heading on lanes via Chidden and Clanfield and on to Rowlands Castle for tea.

We took the usual route back via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 56. My mileage from Pagham was about 67.

My latest picture was taken last Sunday at the Open House Weekend in the Atrium of an Office Building looking up at an art installation of over 600 light globes.

This image was spotted on Flickr by the BBC and they messaged me for permission to use it on their Website. It appeared as picture of the day on Friday on the BBC News England Big Picture webpage. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34314257 Below is the page as it appeared on Friday.